PERRY HALL, Md. (WJZ) — At one Baltimore County gym, members are breaking a sweat and showing their American pride.

As Linh Bui explains, they’re swinging into the holiday weekend with a fundraiser for veterans.

At Friday’s workout, every pound counts.

It’s a “swing-a-thon” at Art and Strength Fitness Studio in Perry Hall, raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project.

“With the Fourth of July, I figured It’d be a great time to do something like this.” said owner Dan Cenidoza, Art and Strength Fitness Studio. “And if we can raise money for a great cause like the Wounded Warrior Project, then all the better.”

The Wounded Warrior Project assists veterans who have served since 9-11, helping them readjust to civilian life.

“It’s been a terrific turnout. We’re glad to have all these people. And the American people are just always so patriotic and have given us great support,” said Joel Zimmerman, Wounded Warrior Project.

They’re raising one penny per pound swung.

The lightest kettlebell they’re using: 18 pounds. But they go up to 106 pounds! And here’s the thing: the heavier they are, the more money you raise.

Courtney Mullaney had the 26 pound kettlebell. She spoke with WJZ just before she reached her goal of 1,000 swings.

“So I only have a few more left, and it’s getting tiresome,” Mullaney said.

Meantime, Dawn Marsiglia did some swings in the middle of her work day.

“As much as I can possibly do without passing out would be my goal,” she said.

It’s exhausting, but they’re committed to the cause.

“These guys lay their lives on the line for our country every day. And what a better cause than the American hero?” said Marsiglia.

And the fitness studio has already surpassed its goal of $3,000.

The fundraiser actually lasts until 9 p.m., so you have a few more hours if you’d like to participate.

The owner of Art and Strength says he would like to hold the “swing-a-thon” again.

Linh Bui

Linh Bui is the Morning and Noon Anchor for WJZ Eyewitness News. The Maryland native joined WJZ in 2013 as a Weekend Anchor and Reporter.
One reason Linh loves journalism is she gets to meet inspirational people. For example, she interviewed to...